Zelda Marquetry Frame Completed!

Well you may remember mid last year when I posted about a marquetry project I had done of the Zelda crest. The frame got put on the back burner a bit, but I finally got it all sorted out and finished this past weekend! Yay! 

Here it is with the frame installed

I added a layer of the dark veneer in the corners of the frame for an accent. 

I rabetted out the back so that the picture could sit flush with the back of the frame. This way I could use the removable hardware you see (from Lee Valley of course!), so that if I need to re-wax the picture, or decide I want to make a different frame, I can do it easily. I also drilled two holes to allow for screws to hold it to the wall.

With the final coats of wax on it, the neat grain pattern of the crest really shines out.


Finally after all the work of finishing and hanging it, I decided to relax the best way I could think of. Playing Zelda!! 

Giraffe Stuffed Toys

I love these stuffed giraffes! I've made a total of 6 of them now, and I still love them! Pretty much the hardest part is finding fuzzy giraffe print fabric. The patterns are from Carol's Zoo who makes a whole bunch of easy patterns for various animals. I've also made the penguin, and have the pattern for several others, but haven't gotten to them yet. You can check them all out here: http://www.carolszoo.com/patterns/index.htm.


The last pair I made were especially cute as I found red and blue giraffe print which was perfect as I had a friend and cousin who were both having babies, one boy one girl! For these ones, I simple took a few tight stitches for the eyes so there would be no risk of choking or anything.


This was the original set that I made, I started with one but couldn't stop. They worked out nicely as the print I found was more to scale for the size. I've only made the "Baby" giraffe, but he sits about 12" tall, so he doesn't seem too small. The pattern also comes with a "Mama" version. These ones I bought plastic safety lock eyes in different colours to finish them off since I was giving them to more grown up types.


The patterns are really straight forward and simple to follow. Only two pattern pieces. The sewing is pretty easy. The only trick I've found is to pin alot! Maybe this was just necessary as my fabrics were a bit stretchy. But I found if I took the extra few minutes to pin the heck out of them, then sewing took a fraction of the time. They look kind of funny all pinned up too! Anyways, if you're looking for a cute, easy, fun stuffed animal project, these are a fun place to start!